Good, but they can become better

Over the past months, since the departure of police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar, there has been a solid attempt by the police to improve relations with the media.

Press conferences have been held when a major crime such as a murder has been committed, the police communications office is forthcoming with information each time there is something to be reported and, in general terms, officers who man the police communication department’s telephone numbers are helpful every time a journalist calls for assistance.

It is when something similar to what happened this week that the police are, as yet, still lacking in their dealings with journalists.

We are referring to the arrest of former Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister, Keith Schembri, and that of former Minister Konrad Mizzi. In such cases, the police are reluctant to give information.

We understand that there is a limit as to how much the police can say in these circumstances. We know that investigations in this respect are tough, delicate and complicated, and we are the first to say that the police should be careful so as not to compromise their work. We also appreciate that the law prohibits police officers from divulging information about people who are under arrest on reasonable suspicions.

But, on the other hand, given that the two men in question are high-profile, and considering that there are also political implications, the police should give an official explanation as to why they proceeded to arrest and interrogate the two men. The rules regarding politically-exposed persons who are arrested on matters of national interest should change in this regard.

It happens abroad, it should happen here as well.

The way things become known in Malta is that someone leaks something to a journalist of trust, and a story is published. Other media confirm the report and go public with it too. In the age of technology, within minutes, all news portals are carrying the news.

But the lack of information provided – other than the fact that questioning is taking place – leads to speculation about the reasons behind such police action. In this case, the fact that the Financial Crimes police division was involved gives an indication; but it’s not enough.

We believe that, in such situations, the police press officer should be in a position to give an official comment to the media about police investigations. If this is not possible, the police should issue an official statement giving some details about their work, including time of arrest and release, and the reason for such police action.

Often the police are criticised for not taking action or for not pursuing investigations. It is said that they are slow and are not doing their job properly. Again, while we understand that there are occasions when the police need to remain silent as their work progresses, there are then other situations when it is important for the public to know about developments, particularly in cases which have dominated local news for months, if not years.

Were it not for a source who last Tuesday leaked the information to a journalist, Malta would have never known about what the police were doing.